What Do Ladybirds Eat?
Ladybirds are known for being great helpers in the garden because they love eating pests that harm plants. The most common ladybird food they enjoy is aphids, tiny insects that damage leaves and flowers.
But what do ladybirds eat and drink besides aphids? They also feast on other soft-bodied insects like mites and mealybugs. For energy, they enjoy nectar and pollen.
So, if you’ve been asking what do ladybugs drink and eat offering a mix of these foods will keep them coming back to your garden.
So, when thinking about what do i feed ladybugs, offering a mix of these foods will keep them coming back to your garden.
How Much Do Ladybirds Eat?
You might be surprised to learn that these tiny insects have big appetites! A single ladybird can eat up to 50 aphids a day, making them valuable allies for pest control. But what eats ladybirds in return? Birds, frogs, and spiders are among their predators.
But what ladybug eats depends on its stage in life. Baby ladybirds, or larvae, eat even more than adults, sometimes consuming hundreds of aphids before they grow into full-sized ladybirds.
So, if you’re trying to control pests, keeping ladybirds around by providing them with the right food is a great solution.
Can Ladybirds Eat Leaves?
One common question is, can ladybugs eat leaves? The answer is no—ladybirds are carnivores when it comes to their main diet. They prefer eating insects like aphids, which are harmful to plants.
If you have ladybirds UK species in your garden, rest assured they won’t harm your plants. Instead, they will protect them by eating pests.
So, you don’t have to worry about ladybirds harming your plants. In fact, they help keep your garden healthy by getting rid of the real pests.
Are Ladybirds Pests or Beneficial Insects?
Most of the time, ladybirds are considered beneficial insects because they help control pest populations in your garden.
Knowing what do ladybirds eat and drink primarily aphids and nectar can help you attract them to your garden and keep them around to protect your plants.
But overall, the good far outweighs the bad. What do ladybirds eat that makes them so useful? Their diet mainly consists of aphids and other pests that damage plants, making them an essential part of a healthy garden ecosystem.
Ladybird Life Cycle
Understanding the life cycle of a ladybird helps explain why they are such effective garden helpers. A ladybird starts as an egg, hatches into a larva, then becomes a pupa, and finally turns into an adult.
During the larva stage, they are the most hungry, devouring hundreds of aphids in just a few days. But how long do ladybirds live for? On average, a ladybird can live for about one year, depending on the species.
Throughout their life, they continue to eat pests, keeping your garden healthy and pest-free.
Types of Ladybirds
There are several types of UK ladybirds, including the seven-spotted and two-spotted ladybirds.
Some of the most common species include the seven-spotted ladybird, which is well-known for its bright red shell with black spots, and the two-spotted ladybird, which has only two distinct spots on its back.
You might also come across the Asian lady beetle, which can have a range of spot patterns.
These ladybirds are all great at pest control, but their favorite meals might vary slightly. Knowing what does the ladybird eat, based on the species, can help you attract the right kind to your garden.
How to Draw a Labrador Retriever: Step-by-Step Guide

What Eats Ladybird?
While ladybirds are excellent hunters of garden pests, they are also prey to other animals. Birds, frogs, spiders, and even some larger insects are known to eat ladybirds.
Though they are great hunters, ladybirds are prey to birds, frogs, spiders, and larger insects. Despite their bright colors acting as a warning, these predators still take the risk. So, what eats ladybirds depends on the local wildlife in your area.
But when it comes down to it, what eats a ladybird varies depending on the region and the local wildlife. Despite their natural defenses, some predators are willing to take the risk, making it important for ladybirds to stay alert.
How to Buy and Introduce Ladybirds to Your Garden
If you want to control pests naturally, you can buy ladybirds UK species to release in your garden. Before introducing them, ensure your garden has plenty of food, like aphids.
Before releasing them, make sure to provide a suitable environment with plenty of food like aphids and other insects.
When considering what do lady birds eat, remember that they thrive on natural prey found in gardens, but you can also offer small amounts of sugar water or honey as a supplement. This ensures they stick around and help with pest control.
What is the Best Way to Feed Ladybirds?
The best way to provide ladybird food is to let nature do the work Ladybirds love to hunt for pests like aphids, mites, and small insects.
If you don’t have enough pests, you can offer a little honey, sugar water, or fruit like raisins to give them a boost.
The key is to keep their natural environment healthy, with plenty of plants and flowers that attract their favorite prey. By providing these, you’ll help ladybirds stay strong and continue doing their job of keeping your garden pest-free.
6 Ways to Attract Ladybirds to Your Garden
Want to make your garden a haven for ladybirds? Here are six simple ways to attract them:
- Avoid Pesticides – Pesticides can kill ladybirds and the insects they feed on. Keep your garden chemical-free to create a safe space for them.
- Provide Overwintering Sites – Offer a ladybird nest with leaf piles or log stacks where they can shelter during colder months.
- Ensure a Water Source – Ladybirds, like most insects, need water. A shallow dish of water with pebbles can help them stay hydrated.
- Plant Nectar and Pollen Crops – Flowers like marigolds and daisies attract UK ladybirds by providing food.
- Use Trap Crops – Grow plants that attract aphids and other pests, as these will be a ready food source for ladybirds. This also keeps pests away from your main plants.
- Control Ant Populations – Ants often protect aphids because they harvest their sugary honeydew. Reducing the number of ants in your garden will make it easier for ladybirds to feast on aphids.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing what to feed a ladybird and how to attract them to your garden can make a huge difference in maintaining a healthy, pest-free environment.
Providing natural food sources like nectar, pollen, and insects, along with occasional treats like honey, helps ladybirds thrive.
By avoiding pesticides, offering shelter, and creating ladybird nests, you’ll create a welcoming environment for these beneficial insects.
With simple steps like avoiding pesticides and providing water and overwintering sites, your garden will become a welcoming home for ladybirds.
Understanding their needs and diet ensures your garden remains their favorite spot, with ladybirds UK species helping to keep pests in check all year round.
FAQs
What is a Ladybird’s Favourite Food?
A ladybird’s favorite food is aphids, tiny pests that damage plants. They also enjoy other soft-bodied insects like mites and mealybugs, making them great helpers in the garden.
Can I Give a Ladybug Sugar Water?
Yes, you can give a ladybug sugar water as a temporary food source. A small drop of sugar water or honey can provide energy when their natural prey is scarce.
Do Ladybugs Drink Water?
Yes, ladybugs do drink water. You can provide a shallow dish with pebbles and a little water to help them stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
Can I Keep a Ladybug as a Pet?
While you can keep a ladybug as a pet for a short time, they thrive best in the wild where they can hunt for their favorite foods.
It’s important to note that how long does a ladybird live can vary, but they typically have a lifespan of about one year, so it’s best to let them return to nature where they can continue helping your garden.